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Mind

Mild brain damage may affect memory more than severe injuries

In a small study, memory recall was better in people with more severe damage to a brain region involved with memory, compared with those with milder damage. With severe damage, other parts of the brain may take on the damaged region's function

By Jason Arunn Murugesu

6 February 2023

The hippocampus (orange) is a structure in the brain that plays a key role in memory. Less extensive damage to the hippocampus has been linked to worse amnesia than more severe injuries

The hippocampus (orange) is a structure in the brain that plays a key role in memory. Less extensive damage to the hippocampus has been linked to worse amnesia than more severe injuries

SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Memory problems that occur with a type of amnesia paradoxically seem to be worse in people with less severe brain damage, compared with those with more damage. Severely injuring a key part of the brain that is involved in memory recall may force the organ to reorganise itself so other areas take on that function.

Developmental amnesia most often …

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